As educators, we’ve been working with text-to-speech for many years now. Most of us are familiar with free or commercial products that can be used for reading digital text. But what does text-to-speech actually DO? And how does it support our students when they read?

We know that reading is a process of constructing meaning from print and decoding is just one element of this process. (Reading Rockets, 2001). We also know that students who struggle with decoding text need adaptations in order to access content. Text-to-speech technology is an important adaptation that allows students to access content to which they would not otherwise have access. By reading the text aloud to the student through voice synthesis or through audio narration, difficulties with decoding are bypassed. Continue reading “What is text-to-speech technology and how does it support our students?”

The following screencasts provide guidance in using reading tools with content from the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) Library. For information on student eligibility and the application process, please refer to the section, Accessible Library Memberships.

*Please note that Word Q and Google Read & Write cannot be used to read most books from CELA, because the formats are not compatible.

Using EasyReader on an iPadRequires i0s 9.1+

Using Voice Dream with audiobooksThis screencast explains how to import audiobooks into Voice Dream. A more detailed walk-through of Voice Dream is available on the post Bookshare How-To’s.

Using Capti with e-textThis screencast explains how to import e-text into Capti. A more detailed walk-through of Capti is available on the post Bookshare How-To’s.

The following screencasts provide guidance in using both the Bookshare website as well as tools that can be used to read Bookshare materials on computers and mobile devices. More information on student eligibility and administrative procedures is provided on the page Accessible Library Memberships.

*Please note that Word Q cannot be used to read books from Bookshare, because the formats are not compatible.

Using EasyReader on an iPadRequires i0s 9.1+

HOW TO USE THE BOOKSHARE WEBSITE

How to Navigate in Bookshare

How to Organize and Edit Members (Students)

How to Add & Edit Sponsors (School Personnel)

How to Create & Edit Reading Lists

HOW TO USE READING TOOLS

Using Capti on an iPad

Using Capti in a Browser

Using Bookshare Web Reader in a Browser
(Compatible with Chrome on PC and Mac, or Safari on Mac)

Using EasyReader on an iPadRequires i0s 9.1+(Android version forthcoming)

Here’s a brief demonstration video on how to use Snapverter, an add-on for Read&Write for Google Chrome that allows you or your student to convert a printed document (assignment, page of a book, etc) into a digital document that can be used with Read& Write. A great tool for increasing accessibility!

If you are using Office 365, a feature within the OfficeLens app allows your student to scan a text by taking a picture, then read the text within the app itself by using the “immersive reader” function. Check out the short video below for a demonstration!